Selling your home is stressful any time of the year but the thought of adding the hectic holidays into the mix usually deters homeowners from listing their home. "There is a misconception about the real estate market over the holidays that there isn't a lot of buyer traffic," says Barbara Harris, broker/owner of Harris Group Realtors. "It's an excellent time to have your home on the market, because there are enough people who take their homes off the market, that your home gets better exposure," she says. Historically, November and December have higher sales nationally, relative to the number of homes on the market, than do any other months of the year.
Deck the Halls
For the exterior:
Door wreaths that include holiday colors and dress up your home's exterior would add a nice touch. Colored ribbons are another nice and simple décor to display. Don't forget greenery - use it to create height and movement.
For the interior:
Nothing says honey I'm home like a nice fireplace. Make sure to position adequate seating near the hearth in case your browsers would like to sit. Include a nice beverage and some type of tasty treat for them to enjoy as well. This makes potential buyers feel they are welcome.
Make Plans
Typically during the holidays you may have houseguests and you would not necessarily want to change those plans because your home is on the market. Making preparations for this will help you breeze through the holidays without a care. Some sellers may choose not to show their home while guests are there but this could potentially cost you the sale of your home. Showing the home during this time is ideal, with a few escape routes mapped out in advance. For instance, when it is time for the buyers to view the home, take your guest to the mall or a tourist attraction. And you will want to make all suitcases disappear for a short time - put them in closets or under the bed and hang up your guests' clothes.
Set the Mood
In addition to hanging lights you can induce a warm holiday feeling other ways. Scents can be particularly inviting as well so consider burning fragrant candles or a nice incense. Just be sure the scent is not too intense for delicate noses.
Four reasons to list your home during the holiday season:
- Potential buyers are usually more serious
- Job transferees use this time to house hunt before their move in January
- Investors usually want to close escrow by year-end for tax purposes and
- Beat the January rush
Everyone else is waiting to sell their home AFTER the Holidays, when the market could be flooded and you will not get as much attention for your home. Don't underestimate the power of marketing during the Holidays! |
